EU Parliament Tackles Key Issues

In a pivotal session on June 17, the European Parliament will address pressing legislative and geopolitical topics, starting with a crucial discussion on new EU rules aimed at combating child sexual abuse. Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) and Commissioner Magnus Brunner will deliberate on modernizing legislation to counter the evolving nature of these crimes, including the criminalization of child sexual abuse “instruction manuals” and deepfake imagery. A plenary vote is scheduled for 12:30 to establish Parliament’s stance ahead of negotiations with EU ministers.

The session will also explore escalating tensions in the Middle East during an evening debate. MEPs, alongside EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas and Polish EU Affairs Minister Adam Szłapka, will discuss the Israel-Iran military escalation, the EU-Israel Association Agreement, and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Adding to the gravity of the discussions, King Abdullah II of Jordan will address MEPs, focusing on the dramatic Middle Eastern crisis and Gaza’s situation.

Furthermore, the agenda includes a debate on revising EU air passenger rights with Commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikostas. This follows a political agreement among member states to advance a 2013 proposal. Discussions will also cover extending Recovery and Resilience Facility funding, the state of the rule of law in the EU, threats to Colombian democracy, and progress on Montenegro and Moldova’s EU accession paths. These debates highlight the Parliament’s proactive approach to legislative and international challenges.